More patients at mid north coast EDs

New Bureau of Health Information figures show a small increase in mid north coast Emergency Department (ED) visits in the last quarter.

Between April and June 5 percent more patients presented at EDs Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.

The Mid North Coast Local Health District said patients with minor illnesses were treated elsewhere.

But Chief executive Stewart Dowrick said there was a significant increase in more serious cases.

"Something that's occurred in that quarter but also in that last year is that those attending are actually a lot more sick than they have been in the past," he said.

"Our growth in Triage 2 and 3 has actually been quite significant and those sniffles that we call Triage 5, the attendance of them has actually been reduced and less than previous years, so people are probably going to other care providers."

Mr Dowrick said similar results are expected this quarter.

He said it will put more pressure on EDs in places like Coffs Harbour, Kempsey and Port Macquarie.

"You'll probably see a further increase because of the aging of our population and the growth," he said.

"There is a view that the winder period really goes beyond the June into the July, August, September, which our hospitals this year have experienced a further increase in activity in ED and general admission."